Disappointment often stems from the gap between our aspirations and reality. Leonardo da Vinci advised optimizing by focusing on what can be achieved right now rather than focusing on unattainable goals. This principle, in contrast to the frustration with flow, remains relevant today, especially amid the curated realities of social media, which urges us to divert energy into present possibilities.

We are often disappointed not by what life takes away from us, but by the gap, that empty quiet space, between where we are and where we want to be.We’ve all been there at some point in our lives, whether it’s because of a job we weren’t qualified for or a relationship that didn’t work out.We often plan ideal and dreamy versions of life that never happen. And in that state of mind, most of us keep wanting what we cannot have and keep comparing the present with the ideal that is not here yet, to such an extent that we feel stuck, and this leads to a blockage.Leonardo da Vinci lived in the 15th and 16th centuries without any of our modern tools or technology, and yet he created work that the world, even today, does not fully understand.He threw light on this beautiful idea through his wise words and suggested a way out.

Representative image (Photo: Canva)

What does quote mean?

Vinci does not tell us to give up our ambitions or to sit back and stop dreaming. Instead he offers practical advice, that when circumstances block your desired path, direct your energy towards what the present moment actually allows. Stop fighting the wall and try working with the open door.This is the difference between frustration and flow. Frustration comes from insisting on a specific outcome. Movement or flow comes from trying to do what is possible right now and then committing yourself to it.

This idea is still relevant today

We live in a time surrounded by social media, and often we see images and reels of other people’s careers, relationships, and lifestyles. Amidst this, we easily start comparing ourselves and it is natural to feel that we are lagging behind in some way.When what we want seems out of reach, whether it’s a promotion, an opportunity, or a position we envision, the modern tendency is often to grab for it and achieve it.But da Vinci’s words show another side. They ask us what can we really do today? Not how we imagined it, instead, what is the best we can do right now, with the current set of skills, or whatever we have.Because people who create meaningful things rarely do so when everything is under their control, they do so by diverting their energy elsewhere.